back to basics

Chicken soup, that’s what I want. I have a sore throat and a stuffy nose (whine whine) and I want soup even if it is still really too hot outside.

I don’t want plain old chicken soup, though. I want something with a little substance, a little kick that I can taste! Something fast and easy, that will make me feel better and not make me feel like an invalid. And something that will last for a few days, since I’m feeling lazy. So, I’m going to gussie up some of the stock I have in the freezer and I think I feel better already. Of course, that’s partly because I feel so righteous having all that nice stock to use…

I’m not going to do this the hard way. While I’m all in favor of everything fresh and local, I want soup *now*! So, here’s my thought process (followed by, of course, what I actually did).

Tomatoes are supposed to be high in vitamin C and vitamin C is supposed to be good for getting rid of colds. And, I like tomatoes. There are a couple of cans in the pantry, always, and a can of corn for both texture and bulk as well as a can of black beans because I love them and they are creamy. I don’t want anything scratchy, that’s for sure.

I don’t want it to be too hot or spicy, but I do want to enjoy the soup. I think I’ll go with my go-to 7 spice and some extra cumin. And, some fresh chopped cilantro on top because I’m one of the lucky ones.

I say lucky because I have friends and family members who can’t stand cilantro. It tastes like soap to them, and makes anything it is used in taste basically awful. I like it though, so I deem myself lucky because it goes well with tomatoes and everything else on the boards at the moment. And it adds a freshness that brightens the soup nicely.

Other than that, I think a bit of thyme will be nice. I have both lemon and English in the garden and they both make chicken happier. Oh and some fresh lime juice to jazz it up at the end, especially as the Mexican limes (Key limes) are ready to pick form my trees. OK, now I’m getting hungry and I’m feeling better already!

In a large heavy Dutch oven, sauteé the onion in the olive oil. Once the onion is translucent, add the spices and mix well. Add all other ingredients and stir well. Simmer for 1 hour partially covered, remove the thyme stems. Serve yourself a bit right *now* with some fresh cilantro chopped and tossed on top, and chill the rest to be reheated and enjoyed tomorrow and the next day until the cold gives up.

* 7-spice seems to be a “my grandmother made it this way” blend but, roughly, it is a mixture of cinnamon, cardamon, black pepper, allspice, cumin, coriander, and love… If anyone can be more specific on this topic I’d appreciate it!
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Hope you’re over it by now. I have a little bit of a cough, but I can taste stuff again, so I’m happy! (Its the little things… :-))
Soup, soup, glorious soup,
nothing quite like it for killing the croup…